Man who had all four limbs amputated calls for mandatory sepsis training

Man who had all four limbs amputated calls for mandatory sepsis training

A man who woke from a coma to discover both his arms and legs had been amputated and part of his face had been removed has called for mandatory training on sepsis.

Tom Ray was fit and healthy and living in Rutland in the East Midlands before he contracted sepsis at the age of 38 in 1999.

He spent three months in a coma during which time his wife Nic gave birth to their second child Fred, a brother for Grace.

Due to his illness, the family lost their business and had to sell their home.

Mr Ray’s sepsis – caused by a cut to his gum during a trip to the dentist, combined with a chest infection – came on rapidly and led to vomiting and a high temperature.

He fell into a coma and when he awoke he could not recognise his wife.

Mr Ray will tell the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) conference on Wednesday how there were delays to his diagnosis for sepsis.

On his website, he says: “Every doctor that saw me on admission to hospital missed what were the classic signs of sepsis.

“They didn’t know what was wrong with me so I was simply put into a side ward, the curtains were closed around me and I was left to die.”

In his speech to the RCN, Mr Ray will call for more support and mandatory training for all members of the nursing and midwifery professions.

He said: “Poor outcomes for patients are equally dramatic for staff, friends and family and they will continue to happen if nursing staff are over-stretched, under-trained and unsupported.

“My own experience has placed huge strain on myself, my family and my carers – and it should never have happened.

“Damage and even death from sepsis will continue until there is a commitment to educate all staff to give every patient the care and attention that is needed to spot and treat sepsis as fast as possible.”

Rose Gallagher, professional lead for infection prevention and control at the RCN, said: “Without the right number of nurses with the right training, we will struggle to identify and manage potential cases of sepsis – and we must have better public awareness to help people recognise the potential symptoms of sepsis and seek help quickly.

“Patients who survive sepsis are also left with long-term physical and psychological problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, fatigue, decreased cognitive function, anxiety, depression and insomnia.

“Life can be challenging not only for patients but also for their families.”

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